DAILYUPDATES

The Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for the provision of comprehensive insurance cover for practicing journalists, following the road accident involving members of the Correspondents' Chapel of the Union along the Obajana Road on Saturday while returning from an official assignment. In a statement issued in Lokoja and jointly signed by the Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Ademu Seidu Haruna, and the Secretary, Dr. Atuluku Samuel, the Council described insurance coverage for journalists as a necessity, considering the numerous occupational hazards associated with the profession. The Council noted that journalists, as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, play a vital role in promoting democracy, accountability, and national development, stressing that they deserve adequate protection through a well-structured insurance scheme. According to the statement, the Kogi State Government should, as a matter of urgency, consider introdu...

APC Members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker,  Aliyu Umar Yusuf, have reaffirmed their unwavering support for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, commending his administration's commitment to tackling insecurity across the state. The lawmakers gave the assurance during a solidarity visit to the Governor at the Government House in Lokoja, where they expressed confidence in his leadership and the various security measures being implemented to safeguard lives and property. .Speaking on behalf of the Assembly, Speaker Aliyu Umar Yusuf praised Governor Ododo's proactive approach to addressing security challenges, noting that the administration's sustained collaboration with security agencies has continued to strengthen peace and stability in the state. He stated that the House of Assembly remains fully committed to supporting policies and legislative actions aimed at enhancing security, promoting development, and improving the welfare of the people of ...

Prince Olatunji Olusoji has congratulated the Project Coordinator of Kogi State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes, ACReSAL, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto, OON, on the 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award on  Institutional Performance and Service Delivery. In a statement issued to newsmen in Lokoja, Prince Olatunji described the award as well deserved, attributing it to her dedication, integrity and commitment to service.  Praised His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo for his developmental strides and having a round peg in a round hole.  He prayed that the recognition marks the beginning of greater achievements and wished her higher heights ahead. He described Barr. Jatto as “an Amazon of inestimable value” who continues to make Nigerian women proud. Similarly, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, BPSR, Mr. Dasuki Arabi, also commended Barr. Jatto  along side other recipients.  He urged them...

As part of the ongoing crackdown on cultism and other related criminal activities following the recent security breach on campus, the Management of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, through its joint security team, has arrested two additional suspected cultists on campus. They are Fidelis Atuluku, Matric. No. 2026SE1252 and Monday Okolo, Matric. No. 2026SE1247. Both are 100 Level students of the Department of Social Studies/Education, Faculty of Education. They were trailed based on tip-off and caught in possession of charms while on the campus on Tuesday, 23rd June 2026. They have confessed to being members of the Juris Confraternity, and that they were initiated before they secured admission into the University. They will be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and necessary legal action. Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, reaffirmed the University's resolve to sustain its w...

... Between Incumbency, Agenda, and the Fight for Relevance By Abu Oshiomieh  The 2027 Kogi East Senatorial race is still months away, but political signals across the nine LGAs are already pointing in one direction. If elections were held today, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, candidate QS Aminu Abubakar Suleiman would be the man to beat. While the All Progressives Congress, APC, remains locked in internal wrangling and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, struggles to present a unified front, Aminu is building momentum on message, grassroots reach, and credibility. Kogi East politics has never been about party labels alone. It is about personalities, perception, and grassroots connection. And in 2027, those three factors are tilting the pendulum early toward the ADC. QS Aminu Abubakar Suleiman enters the race with a clear advantage: focus. In a zone tired of empty rhetoric, his campaign is anchored on a development agenda that speaks to Kogi East’s immediate needs...

The Kogi State Government has announced the interception of a large cache of arms and ammunition allegedly destined for criminal elements seeking to destabilise the state, in what officials described as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat insecurity. According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving local security operatives under the Kogi State security architecture, the Hybrid Forces operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army. The government disclosed that security agencies acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of arms and ammunition intended for criminal groups operating within and around Kogi State. Intelligence reports identified a Volkswagen Golf II vehicle allegedly being used to transport the weapons. Acting...

Over 1,000 Kogi Residents Benefit from Free Medical and Eye Care Outreach No fewer than 1,000 residents of Kogi State benefitted from a free medical and eye care outreach organized under the RKBloom Medical Outreach and sponsored by Hon. Gabriel Bello in honour of former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello. The outreach, held at the Reference Hospital, provided a wide range of healthcare services, including medical consultations, eye screenings, blood pressure checks, free medications, and the distribution of prescription and medicated glasses to beneficiaries. The initiative attracted healthcare professionals and volunteers who offered quality medical services to underserved members of the community, with particular attention given to elderly residents suffering from vision-related challenges. Speaking on the outreach, Hon. Gabriel Bello said the programme was organized to celebrate the legacy of service, compassion, and people-oriented leadership associated with fo...

***House of Representatives Candidate Dismisses Deregistration Threat, Urges Massive Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027 Polls Dr. Idris Rufus Oluwafemi (IDRUFEM), the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election, has reassured party supporters and constituents that the ADC remains a legally recognized political party and will undoubtedly feature on the ballot in the forthcoming general elections. Reacting to the recent judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which reportedly ordered the deregistration of the ADC and several other political parties, IDRUFEM described the ruling as a “jankara judgment” that lacks legal foundation and cannot withstand judicial scrutiny. In a statement made available to newsmen, the frontline politician urged party faithful, supporters, and members of the electorate across Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency to rema...

.... Insiders claim fresh push to market Hon. Sam Aro despite Karimi’s APC primary victory Fresh controversy is trailing the Kogi West Senatorial District as allegations emerged that Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo has directed Hon. Sam Aro, former House of Representatives Member, to visit Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu LGA alongside Council Chairmen from the District.  According to insider reports, the visit is the latest attempt aimed at forcing Hon. Aro on the people of Kogi West, month after the district overwhelmingly voted Senator Sunday Karimi as the people’s choice during the last APC Senatorial District primaries. The primary results remain in the public domain. Sources revealed that the Iluke Bunu tour is being packaged as a constituency outreach meant to win the hearts of the people and project Hon. Aro as sensitive to local challenges. But critics within the delegation described it as another round of propaganda in a contest they insist has already been decided.  ...

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone D, has condemned the arrest of the Editor of Kogi Report, Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), allegedly on the directive of the member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Leke Abejide. The union warned that it may boycott all activities associated with the federal lawmaker if such actions persist. Addressing journalists during a press conference in Lokoja, the Vice President of NUJ Zone D, Mr. Momoh-Jimoh Adeiza, described the circumstances surrounding the incident as a dangerous trend capable of undermining press freedom and democratic governance in Nigeria. He also warned that the union could place an embargo on the coverage of NSCDC activities in Kogi State should the agency engage in further acts of intimidation or aggression against journalists. Adeiza maintained that if the lawmaker had any grievances regarding the publication in question, he...

By Ambassador Tosin Michael Owonifari Communities are remembered not only for the infrastructure they build, but also for the heritage they preserve. Roads, bridges, and buildings may define a generation, but culture, history, and tradition define a civilisation. As Ise-Ekiti prepares to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the reign of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adetunji David Ayodele Ajayi, PhD, MON, JP, Aweloye II, the Arinjale of Ise-Ekiti, beginning on 27 July 2026, the occasion presents an opportunity to reflect on a subject that extends far beyond one community or one traditional institution. It invites us to ask an important national question: How can Nigeria better preserve and utilise its cultural heritage as a catalyst for unity, education, tourism, and sustainable development? Across the world, nations that successfully preserve their cultural heritage often enjoy benefits that extend beyond history itself. Their festivals attract visitors, stimulate local economies, str...

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to reclaiming the state's forests from criminal elements, declaring that there will be no safe haven for terrorists, bandits and other violent criminals operating within Kogi State. The Governor made the declaration during a visit to the training camp of newly recruited Forest Guard Trainees, where he encouraged them to embrace the responsibility ahead with discipline, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to service. Addressing the trainees, Governor Ododo noted that one of the major security challenges confronting the state is the vast expanse of forests that have remained largely unoccupied and unguarded, creating opportunities for criminal elements to establish hideouts and launch attacks on innocent citizens. He explained that the recruitment and training of Forest Guards form a critical component of the state's broader security strategy aimed at strengthening su...

By Abu Michael In recent times, one thing has become painfully clear in Nigeria: truth has been relegated. Lies, dressed up as sycophancy, now pass for patriotism. For a country richly blessed with human, natural, and capital resources — once the undisputed giant of Africa — we have become a shadow of ourselves.  Our youths have lost faith. They no longer dream of building Nigeria; they dream of escaping it. South Africa, Ghana, even countries with fewer resources have become preferred destinations.  Young Nigerians now risk death crossing the Mediterranean, many dying unannounced and unmourned. The solution is not hidden. It is leadership. Yet leadership itself is the problem.  We have leaders at all levels who should be examples to the next generation, but they have turned lies and propaganda into statecraft. Speaking truth has become a sin. From the Executive to the Legislature and Judiciary, Nigeria has become a laughing stock. Our young people have lost h...

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration's determination to eliminate criminal activities across the state following a deadly bandit attack on Iluke community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. The Governor made the declaration during a condolence visit to the community after armed bandits attacked the area on June 10, disrupting the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and killing three residents. The victims included the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke, Pastor Anufo Owuse, an elderly man, and a young girl who was struck by stray bullets during the attack. Contrary to some reports, no student was killed during the incident. The attack triggered panic among students, teachers and residents as the bandits attempted to abduct people, including candidates writing their WASSCE examinations. However, a swift response by the military, local security operatives, vigilantes...

The Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, has assured that the people of Kogi Local Government Area will reciprocate Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s gestures through overwhelming support at the polls. Engr. Gegu gave the assurance when Kogi State First Lady, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, visited Kogi LGA for the empowerment of 200 women from Kogi and Lokoja LGAs. He described the First Lady’s visit as “the beginning of a brand new Ebira nation one that will not be taken for granted.” The Commissioner said the empowerment initiative will bring relief to poverty and hunger by supporting the less privileged and vulnerable in the area. According to him, “Kogi people are not ungrateful. Gov. Ododo has been doing well for the people of Kogi LGA in the area of road construction and electricity. Over a hundred appointments are today being enjoyed by sons and daughters of Kogi LGA.” He also praised the governor for the upgrade of over 80 tradition...

The Kogi State Government has dismissed allegations by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) regarding the alleged diversion of funds from the state's Security Operations Account, describing the claims as politically motivated and lacking any credible evidence. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the publication by CISLAC failed to uphold the principles of fairness, diligence and objectivity, noting that no investigation report or finding by any competent authority had established any wrongdoing against the state government. Fanwo maintained that security operations require substantial financial commitments and involve investments in intelligence gathering, logistics, communications infrastructure, surveillance, operational mobility and community engagement. According to him, Kogi State has consistently invested in strengthening its security architecture, resulting in improve...

*Protesters bar logistics to Chevron, Shell, NestOil/Neconde over alleged presidential interference in INEC report  Nigeria’s economy faces a fresh setback after hundreds of Ijaw and Urhobo women and youths seized 13 oil flow stations in Warri Federal Constituency on Thursday, shutting in about *400,000 barrels of crude oil per day* over the non-implementation of INEC’s Supreme Court-ordered ward delineation report. The facilities, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), and NESTOIL/NECONDE, were occupied after protesters overpowered company security personnel and workers. They also blocked all logistic supplies through the waterways, worsening operations for the three companies. *Facilities affected*   Industry sources identified the shut-in flow stations as: *Odidi 1 and 2, Batan, Ogbanabou, Jones Creek, Otunana, Egwa 1 and 2, Abiteye, Makaraba, Olero Creek, Dibi Field and Opuekeba*. The protesters are from *Gba...

* Say Presidential directive to INEC is attack on rule of law * Indigenous groups demand non-interference in fresh delineation Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo communities of Warri Federal Constituency have written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the Presidency of ordering INEC to halt implementation of a Supreme Court-mandated fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in Warri South, Warri South West and Warri North LGAs. The letter, dated June 5, 2026 and signed on behalf of the Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo People of Warri Federal Constituency, said the alleged directive amounts to a “direct attack and desecration of the 1999 Constitution” and violates the President’s oath of office. *Background: 11-year legal battle, SC/413/2016* The groups recalled that on Dec 2, 2022, the Supreme Court delivered final judgment in SC/413/2016: Hon. George U. Timinimi & 9 Ors v. INEC, ordering INEC “to conduct a fresh delineation of all electoral wards/po...

By Abu Micheal    …Commander Jerry Omodara leads clearance of illegal Abobo trailer park as Gov. Ododo intensifies war on criminal hideouts The Kogi State Government has commenced clearance of the illegal trailer park in Abobo, a notorious hideout that security agencies say harbored criminal elements.  The operation, led by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara, was carried out on the direct orders of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and underscores the administration’s drive to make adjoining towns and motor parks free of criminals. Since assuming office as SSA Security, Commander Omodara has become what criminals in Kogi now call “an enemy” and what citizens call a “nonsense crime fighter.” To the Ododo administration, he is simply the pride of the government: a retired naval officer whose professionalism, precision, and passion have redefined security coordination in the Confluence State. The Abobo trailer park clearance is the latest in a string of...

The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed 59 out of 76 bills considered since the inauguration of the 8th Assembly, a feat Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf described as a testament to the legislature’s commitment to good governance, infrastructure development and improved social services across the state. Speaking during the Third Legislative Session Anniversary held on Thursday in Lokoja, Yusuf disclosed that the Assembly recorded a cumulative passage rate of 77.6 per cent over the last three years, reflecting what he described as a focused and productive legislature dedicated to advancing the welfare of Kogi residents. According to the Speaker, the Assembly received 23 bills during the Third Legislative Session alone, comprising 19 Executive Bills and four Private Members’ Bills. Out of the number, 19 bills have been passed into law, while four are still undergoing committee scrutiny. “Since the inauguration of the 8th Assembly, we have considered 76 bills, comprising ...